Creatives make for jobs

MORE than 1200 jobs have been created by creative industries in the broader Geelong region in the past two years.

Analysis shows creative industries are a quiet achiever in driving the regional economy.

According to the research, overall regional output by creative industries in the G21 region increased $500 million in the past two years, rising from an estimated $1.6 billion in 2015 to $2.1 billion last year.

The data snapshot was unveiled as part of the showcasing of creative industries, which include architects, publishing, marketing and software development alongside music and performing arts, to mark Geelong’s designation as a City of Design.

The full Environmental Scan of Creative Industries in the G21 region was led by labour market analyst Dr Jude Walker.

Produced by Geelong Region Local Leaning Employment Network and Creative Geelong in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, it is yet to be launched.

But the snapshot showed an increase in jobs from 7839 in 2015 to 9127 in 2017, which points to the sustainability of creative industries at a time when automation is expected to have a major impact in other industries.

Creative Geelong president Jennifer Cromarty said creative industries offered the work of the future.

“Here is this growth in this sector that I don’t think people have quite fully grasped yet,” Ms Cromarty said.

A detailed response to the research is yet to be formulated by industry advocates.

However, the research into the flow-on effect of new jobs in the sector, which are traditionally reasonably well paid, is expected to provide leverage for future discussions with government.

According to Remplan modelling, 10 new jobs on the sector generate a flow-on effect of $3.4 million in economic activity and a further 12 new jobs.

Ms Cromarty said it would be exciting to show the research to government to talk about how to keep growing creative industries in the region.